Off the Field Drama: The Lewandowski-Probierz Feud Shakes Poland's National Football Team
Blackmailer Robert Lewandowski Faces Heightened Scrutiny
No gloves, no mercy - Poland's national captain, Robert Lewandowski, is locked in a high-stakes adversarial standoff with coach Michal Probierz. After being booted from the captaincy, Lewandowski has decided to sit this one out, refusing to play until Probierz steps down. But it seems the team might be just fine without the world-class forward.
Lewandowski, who shared a poignant image of his resignation on Instagram, aims to strong-arm Probierz out of his position, dreaming of a return under more amiable circumstances. "Given the circumstances and the loss of trust in the coach, I have decided not to play for the Polish national team as long as he is in charge," Lewandowski declared.
The sports press branded the striker, now at risk of being benched at FC Barcelona, as a "blackmailer." "War" and "tornado" were terms used by other newspapers to paint this explosive narrative. Things got heated when Lewandowski made the unexpected appearance at the first game in Chorzów, spawning a frosty reception from coach Probierz - not so much as a handshake exchanged.
Blood and Thunder on the Pitch
Lewandowski's choice to sit out the upcoming matches against Moldova and Finland due to "mental fatigue" added fuel to the fire. At the initial game in Chorzów, Lewandowski showed up, not to play, but to bid farewell to his buddy, Kamil Grosicki - a gesture that fell on deaf ears, as neither star nor coach acknowledged each other.
It's worth noting that this isn't Lewandowski's first dance with controversy during his time with Poland. Back in 2021, he contributed to coach Jerzy Brzeczek's ousting despite winning the group in the Euro qualifiers. But will this time be different? As a former Schalke player put it, "No player is bigger than the team, not Ronaldo, not Modric, not Messi, and not Lewandowski."
From Hero to Zero?
Lewandowski's former agent, Cezary Kucharski, who's been in a spat with his former client, is convinced that Poland's record national player will never don the eagle-emblazoned jersey again. The support from his teammates seems limited as well, considering the team reportedly applauded his decision to step away. The teammates are said to be peeved by Lewandowski's excessive diva-like behavior.
The conflict has exposed longstanding tension within the Polish national football team, threatening not only Lewandowski's career but the overall harmony of the squad, which has been strained since Euro 2024.
[1] ntv.de[2] tsi/sid[3] Przegląd Sportowy Onet[4] Rzeczpospolita[5] Super Express
Despite Lewandowski's decision to abandon the pitch due to "mental fatigue," he was spotted at a game to bid farewell to a teammate, further fueling the drama. In light of his alleged blackmail attempt and contentious behavior, it appears sports fans may hesitate to cheer for him in the future, even for a game of football like their beloved sport.
